Having legal documents in place help protect you. 

What are some standard process or contracts needed before the partnership to make sure both parties are protected?

Review your loan agreement for restrictions, and consult legal and tax professionals to ensure compliance and protect your interests.In C State, you can elect to file MMLLC as disregarded entity for tax reasons.

A well written management contract should clearly spell out what is expected of both the PMC and the owner, to PROTECT both and avoid misunderstandings.

And the Mexican government will do whatever to protect the golden goose, as they have proven time and time again.The renderings of many projects look great and the projects will end up looking great.

Hoarding is a protected class because it is a disability. 

LLC are favorite protection instruments of course and ideally per property and state specific.

Furthermore, some lenders have rate lock protection from their secondary market buyer, which means the buyer has to legally honor the rate.

I would want to see the invoice and have a chat with the PM about their responsibility to protect my income.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself is to follow the law and treat people honestly and fairly.